West Ham are set to mount another raid on Anfield as they bid to land Stewart Downing, following their capture of Andy Carroll last month.

Speculation has surrounded Downing’s future since he was told by Brendan Rodgers that he was free to find a new club last November.

The Hammers have held talks with Liverpool over the availability of the 28-year-old, but the London club will need to meet the £8million valuation to secure the winger, according to The Guardian.

The Reds signed Downing from Aston Villa in 2011 for £20million but appear resigned to losing a large part of that sum, as they strive to offload him from their wage bill.

The winger experienced a faltering start to life at Anfield, failing to muster a single goal or assist in his inaugural season at the club, but West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen to bolster his attacking options and offer the England international a fresh start at Upton Park.